The origins of the ancient site of Vindonissa date back to a Celtic settlement controlling the strategically important position at the confluence of the Aare, Reuss and Limmat rivers. During the Alpine campaign of Emperor Augustus in 15 BC, Roman soldiers established a military post here which was later developed into a legionary camp under Emperor Tiberius (14–37 AD). The camp was some 20 hectares in size and was initially constructed by the 13th Legion out of wood and clay. The 21st Legion then gradually replaced and extended the existing buildings with stone structures. The last unit to occupy
From April to October, the Vindonissa Legionary Trail offers exciting expeditions to original Roman sites. Two tours are available in English. On a self-guided tour, you'll encounter atmospherically presented archaeological sites and true-to-life reconstructions, from the sunken officers' kitchen to the excavated thermal bath and the impressive remains of the amphitheatre. Travel back 2,000 years and experience the life of the legionaries and their officers. Most of the texts in the Roman sites have been translated into English. The Vindonissa Legionary Trail offers two tours in English (see
The large sewer ran along the western front of the legionary camp, immediately adjacent to the camp wall. It lay under the road parallel to the camp wall (via sagularis) and formed part of an extensive subterranean sewage system. The system as a whole is estimated to have been more than five kilometres long, running through the entire camp. Built out of stone, the drains were used for the latrines, thermal baths and well overflows, also ensuring fast drainage of water from the roofs and roads when it rained. The large sewer collected the effluent from the smaller side drains, allowing it to flow
The accurately soldiers' quarters (contubernia) are absolutely unique in Europe and offer overnight stays for families, schools and groups. They have been reconstructed using wood, clay and limestone based on the methods that would have been deployed between 30 and 45 AD. During this period, the 13th Legion was stationed at Vindonissa with approx. 5,000 to 6,000 soldiers. The contubernia reproduced here were built entirely by hand – just as the legionaries themselves would have built the originals. The materials used, the construction techniques and the dimensions have been recreated as faithfully
The residential building of a high-ranking officer with a surface area of some 1,100 m2 was situated directly on the main camp road running from east to west (via principalis). In pre-Roman times a huge trench from a Celtic fortification had been located here. The Romans removed the fortification wall and filled the trench so as to be able to build their camp on it. As the centuries passed the fill layers in the Celtic ditch gradually sunk down, causing the excavation layers from Roman times to subside as well. Go underground and explore this roman site Today, visitors to the Legionary Trail go
A legionary camp had four camp gates (portae), through which the two main roads led into the camp: the front gate (porta praetoria), the rear gate (porta decumana) and the two side gates (portae principales). The West Gate at Vindonissa was much more elaborately designed than the North and South Gate, featuring two large polygonal side towers. This was due to its position: it was here that the main roads from Gaul, Italy and Germania led into the camp. The two towers, whose foundation walls still survive, were octagonal in shape and would probably have extended to a height of some 20 metres
The aqueduct of Vindonissa now supplies a water fountain, making it the oldest structure in Switzerland that still performs its original function. Using innovative surveying technology, the legionaries were able to construct the aqueduct over a stretch of 2.4 kilometres with a gradient of just 4‰. The fresh water system supplied water for drinking, cooking and other domestic purposes for some 6,000 legionaries, auxiliary troops, horses and mules. It would not have been possible to live in the legionary camp without this fresh water supply. The aqueduct is a technological masterpiece: groundwater
Königsfelden convent church was once the centrepiece of a large, substantial double monastery resided in by the mendicant orders of the Franciscans and the Clarists. Not only did the lives of the monks and nuns revolve around it, it was also planned as a place of commemoration for the murdered King Albrecht and the Habsburg dynasty. The convent church The Habsburg Queen Elisabeth of Carinthia, Gorizia and Tyrol founded Königsfelden Abbey more than 700 years ago. She did so in response to the murder of her husband, King Albrecht I of Habsburg, in the year 1308. The Abbey was built as a place of
The Museum Aargau Collection has been assembled from various holdings since 1830. It consists of bequests from Aargau's castles and monasteries, numerous donations, objects acquired from company archives and targeted purchases. The Collection is constantly being expanded and documents Aargau's history in tangible form through objects that can be experienced. Collecting, preserving, researching Collecting, preserving and researching objects are among the core tasks of a museum. A collection strategy defines the criteria according to which objects are collected. When an object is added to the Collection
A place of commemoration for the Habsburg family was created at the scene of King Albrecht I's murder. The stained glass windows of the church of Königsfelden Abbey reflect the very highest level of craftsmanship at the time and contributed to the renown of the monastery as a whole. Created between 1320 and 1360, the windows are among the most outstanding specimens of European stained glass in the Late Middle Ages. The window cycle The chancel windows were donated by family members of the murdered King Albrecht I such as his wife Elisabeth, his daughter Agnes and his sons. Their images are to
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Wettingen Abbey
Faith, power, knowledge
Wettingen Abbey is a cultural asset of international standing. Culture, education, history and hospitality merge into one experience at this power spot on the river Limmat.
